Goalpara District Cracks Down on Illegal Brick Kilns to Ensure Compliance

Intensive Action Against Unauthorized Brick Kilns

Goalpara, Dec 26: The district administration of Goalpara has initiated a rigorous campaign to eliminate illegally functioning brick kilns, reinforcing its dedication to lawful industrial practices, environmental conservation, and adherence to tax regulations.

District Commissioner Prodip Timung has directed all relevant departments, including revenue and police, to identify and take strict measures against brick kilns lacking the necessary approvals, licenses, and clearances.

In a significant enforcement operation, Bibhas Medhi, the circle officer of Matia revenue circle, recently oversaw the complete demolition of an unauthorized brick kiln, referred to locally as a Bangla Bhata, located in Ranua village.

Heavy machinery, such as an excavator, was utilized to dismantle the structure, with the presence of the officer-in-charge of Matia Police Station to maintain law and order during the operation.

Residents gathered at the site, where the circle officer urged them to assist the administration and remain alert against the establishment of illegal brick kilns in the future.

Timung clarified that this action is part of a broader initiative aimed at regulating the brick kiln industry within a transparent framework.

He noted that many kilns in the district have been operating without a valid ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the district administration, lacking non-agricultural land-use permissions and consent from the Pollution Control Board, while also failing to comply with Goods and Services Tax regulations.

Such infractions lead to unauthorized land use, environmental harm, air pollution, and significant revenue loss for the government.

The district commissioner further stated that enforcement actions against non-compliant brick kilns will be intensified.

All kiln owners will receive a final opportunity to either voluntarily cease illegal operations or regularize their units by obtaining the necessary permissions and registrations.

He emphasized that the administration prefers compliance over coercion but warned that continued non-compliance will result in immediate closures, heavy fines, and legal actions, including the demolition of illegal structures when necessary.

Addressing the issue of tax evasion in the sector, the DC pointed out that despite the GST council’s simplified taxation framework for brick kilns, many operators remain unregistered or intentionally under-report their production and sales.

This behavior undermines fair competition and deprives the government of rightful revenue.

To tackle this, the administration will provide a limited grace period for illegal kilns to register under GST, settle outstanding tax liabilities, and comply with statutory requirements.

All kiln operators have been instructed to secure Pollution Control Board consent, obtain non-agricultural land-use permissions, and adhere to all environmental regulations mandated by law.

Any brick kiln found operating without full compliance will face immediate closure and potential demolition, along with fines and prosecution under applicable laws.

The district commissioner also announced that all new applicants for brick kiln licenses must submit a mandatory “no dues certificate” from the tax department to ensure accountability from the outset.

To promote long-term compliance, the Goalpara district administration will enhance surveillance through regular inspections, documentation, and coordination among revenue, pollution control, police, and tax authorities.

The administration aims to establish a comprehensive database of all brick kilns in the district and continuously monitor their operations.

Reiterating the administration’s broader vision, Commissioner Timung stated that the goal of this initiative is to balance industrial growth with responsible and lawful operations.

He stressed that the administration is not opposed to the brick kiln industry but is committed to transforming it into a compliant, environmentally responsible, and sustainable sector that operates within legal frameworks and contributes fairly to the district’s economy.

Meanwhile, numerous concerned citizens have raised serious issues and filed complaints with the district administration regarding the ongoing operation of several established brick kilns without the necessary permissions and statutory clearances.

According to these complaints, many brick kilns that have been in operation for years are allegedly functioning without a valid ‘No Objection Certificate’ from district authorities, lacking non-agricultural land-use permissions, and without mandatory consent from the Pollution Control Board.

Citizens have also reported widespread non-compliance with Goods and Services Tax regulations, including non-registration and under-reporting of production and sales, leading to significant revenue losses for the government.